After Your Session

Aftercare Guide

Proper aftercare protects the work. Follow these steps for a beautiful heal.

Second Skin Aftercare

For tattoos bandaged with Saniderm / Second Skin film
  • 01Keep the Saniderm bandage on for 2-3 days. Do not remove it early.
  • 02It is normal to see fluid build-up beneath the bandage - this is just lymph and ink. Do not be alarmed.
  • 03While wearing the film, avoid very hot showers - heat and steam can cause the film to come off.
  • 04Avoid intense physical activity and sweating under the film. Sweat underneath the bandage can cause issues.
  • 05After 3-4 days, remove the Saniderm gently under warm running water. Stretch the bandage sideways - this allows the adhesive to release without pulling ink.
  • 06Wash the tattoo with fragrance-free soap and warm water. At this point your tattoo should be well into the healing process.
  • 07Apply a moisturizing and healing product such as Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, Afterology, or any moisturizer without harsh alcohols or fragrances. At least 3 times a day for 3 consecutive days - more is better.
  • 08Keep the tattoo always moisturized, but don't apply a thick layer - the skin needs to breathe.

⚠ Important: If the bandage begins to leak, or it no longer feels cohesive and doesn't stick to the skin - remove it immediately and follow the Standard Aftercare instructions below. This is very important.

❌ Do NOT moisturize your tattoo with Vaseline - it does not let the skin and the new tattoo breathe.

Standard Aftercare

Without plastic film / bandage

You will need: a healing cream, fragrance-free soap, paper towels, absorbent pads and bandages or medical tape. Always wash your hands before touching or cleaning your tattoo - for the first few days, it's essentially an open wound.

  • 01Wash your hands thoroughly before anything else.
  • 02Remove the bandage gently.
  • 03Gently wash the tattoo with cool or lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Remove all residue - plasma, blood, ink - until it looks clean and fresh.
  • 04Pat dry with a paper towel or let it air dry. Never rub.
  • 05Apply a thin layer of cream (Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, or fragrance-free moisturizer).
  • 06Place an absorbent pad over the tattoo and secure it with tape - not too tight.
  • 07Repeat this process at least 3 times daily for the first week.

If you are unsure about the healing process, don't hesitate to message me. Always happy to help you get your best heal!

Normal Healing Timeline

What to expect day by day
Days 1-3

It's an open wound - be extremely careful. Keep it clean and covered.

Days 3-7

The epithelium begins to form, creating a scab over the tattoo.

Days 7-14

The top layer of skin starts peeling. Do not pick scabs or scratch the tattoo.

Days 14-21

Skin calms down, the tattoo starts to be covered by a new layer and settles deeper.

Days 21-31

Full renewal of all skin layers. The tattoo is almost healed and may look slightly shiny.

Days 31-61

The tattoo becomes matte and fully settles into the dermis. Healing complete.

What to Avoid & Include

✓ First daysKeep the tattoo clean. Always wash hands before touching → gently clean with mild soap & water.
✓ Stay hydratedDrink plenty of water to support faster natural healing.
✗ First 3-7 daysAvoid workouts, sweating & irritation of the tattooed area.
✗ AlwaysDo not pick or scratch the tattoo at any point during healing.
✗ 2 weeksAvoid swimming, pools, saunas & close contact with animals/pets - can cause infection.
✗ 3-4 weeksAvoid direct sun exposure on the tattooed area.
✓ During healingDryness, scabbing & patchiness are normal - keep moisturizing to reduce itching and prevent cracking.
✓ After 1 monthIf a touch-up is needed, just let me know. That's completely normal - happy to fix any little details.

Questions about healing?

Don't hesitate to reach out - I'm always happy to help you get your best heal.

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